Her Story
About Malea
Malea Smith is a dedicated Customer Relations Specialist at Orkin in Monroe, Louisiana, she has been with Orkin for 8 years. she has more than 20 years of experience supporting operations, customer service, and administrative functions. Throughout her career, Smith has demonstrated strong technical support abilities, organizational skills, and a commitment to building positive relationships while improving efficiency within fast-paced environments. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Malea is deeply committed to community service and creating meaningful local impact. She leads and coordinates volunteer initiatives for her Orkin branch, supporting organizations and causes such as food banks, cancer care programs, animal shelters, the Children’s Coalition, Life Choices Pregnancy Resource Center, and statewide cleanup efforts through Love the Boot. Her dedication to service and community engagement earned her the 2024 Person of the Year award and Empathy Award, recognizing her compassion, leadership, and ability to inspire others to give back. Malea has continued to expand her expertise through professional development, earning certifications in Food Safety and Sanitation from AIB International, Termite Biology and Control from Texas A&M University and Urban and Industrial IPM from Purdue University. She is recognized for her integrity, positive attitude, and willingness to support both colleagues and customers. Passionate about customer service excellence, community involvement, and empowering others, Smith continues to make a lasting difference through her leadership, resilience, and dedication to helping those around her.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Malea
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, gratitude, and faith. I trust that God’s plan is always the best plan, and that belief continues to guide me.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to take the leap and believe in themselves. Don’t be afraid to step outside their comfort zone and pursue opportunities. Organizations like Orkin are committed to supporting women through leadership opportunities, events, and a culture that empowers women to succeed.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field is creating meaningful connections with customers and ensuring they feel heard and valued. By listening to their needs and fostering a positive environment, we can continue to build trust and provide better experiences. I also believe in supporting our team members, and making sure everyone feels supported and cared for.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity, kindness, and caring for others. I believe in being a good person, supporting my friends and family, giving back to my community, and doing my part to help create a more positive and beautiful environment for everyone.
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